Local Tipperary town plays host to inaugural Interschools Showjumping Championships

On Saturday, October 4, St Ailbe’s, Tipperary Town, hosted their inaugural interschools showjumping competition in Garranemore Equestrian Centre, Pallasgreen.

With a total entry of 164 teams, from across the country, the event turned out to be a tremendous success.

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Students from both primary and second level schools turned out in their numbers, from early morning, to late evening.

The event was superbly organised and serves as a template for future events.

The concept for such a large undertaking was the brainchild of St Ailbe’s teacher, Mr Michael Butler. Many of these equestrian events take place in Leinster, leaving a shortage of such competitions in our own province.

It also gave a number of local schools, such as St Ailbe’s and St Joseph’s, Tipperary Town, a platform to display their talents and challenge themselves against some of the best underage showjumpers in the country.

For the competition itself, there was a total of five classes, with prizes from first to sixth, best turned out rider and best ETB school.

On the day, the St Ailbe’s team featured Sarah O’Connor, Lexie Ryan, Mia McCormack and Katie Murphy, whilst Hannah O’Connor and Kayla Crowe competed in the individual event.

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Overall, Causeway Community School, County Kerry, took home the team prize and were also victorious in the ETB category.

In the individuals, St Ailbe’s student Hannah O’Connor, claimed first prize, with her sister, Sarah coming second, in the above 80 cm class.

Congrats to both students.

Finally, St Ailbe’s would like to thank the main sponsors, Martin Ryan Haulage and The Equestrian Warehouse, Clonmel, for their generous sponsorship.

In addition, we would like to pay our sincere thanks to Ms Ruth O’Connor, whose experience and wisdom were invaluable on the day.

A big shout out to Mr Michael Butler and his St Ailbe’s team of teachers, who, as mentioned above, turned the occasion into a terrific and highly organised event.

Finally, to all the participants, we thank you for making the effort to attend and wish everyone the best in future upcoming events.